Epidemiology of pediatric psoriasis: a population-based study using two Italian data sources

Psoriasis can be associated with certain comorbidities. This information is important for family pediatricians (FPs) and general practitioners (GPs) who have a key role in the identification and management of skin diseases. This study aimed to assess the incidence and prevalence rates of pediatrics psoriasis and its association with specific comorbidities.

A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients aged less than 18 years registered in two Italian primary care databases (Pedianet and HSD) between 2015 and 2019. Prevalence and incidence of psoriasis were estimated, and a case-control design was adopted to assess specific comorbidities in psoriasis patients.

The annual prevalence rate of psoriasis was 0.2% in Pedianet and between 0.5% and 0.7% in HSD. The incidence rate ranged from 0.47 to 0.58 and from 1.3 to 1.77 per 1000 person-years in Pedianet and HSD, respectively. Allergic rhinitis, asthma, celiac disease, other malabsorption disease and non-infective cutaneous diseases showed a statistically significant association with psoriasis in Pedianet, while no statistically significant difference was found in HSD.

Given the FP-GP transition of patients, there is a need for accurate registration of clinical correlates, enabling GPs to implement strategies to minimize the lifetime risk of psoriatic progression.